“I didn’t quit being real with them,” he says. “I just wanted space to process some things going on in my life. I didn’t realize they’d ditch me for it.”

The foursome has been inseparable since high school, and even attended the same Christian college together. Their relationship is based on complete honesty, they say.

“Sharing your personal garbage is part of the deal,” says one friend. “That’s what friendship is about. Apparently Tommy didn’t value that as much as we do.”

Tommy now bums around the dorms alone, hoping to strike up conversations. The other three have agreed to meet with him to determine if Tommy has “quit wearing a mask.” If Tommy gets the nod, they plan to spend five or more hours talking about how they all felt during the recent schism.